Hi! I have always wanted to barrel race and I'm not really sure where to start. I know the cloverleaf pattern but that is about it. If anybody could give me tips on what my horse would need and what I would need? That would be great!
Thank you!

It's great that you want to start barrel racing, it is a very fun sport. I highly recommend you get with a trainer in your area and take some lessons and discuss you and your horses needs and so on. Good luck.

Well equipment really comes down to you and your horse. Good headstall, single reins, a bit your horse works in, a good saddle (doesn't have to be a barrel saddle), nice saddle pad and cinch. Breast collar and tie down are really your choice. OH! almost forgot some boots for your horses legs, they take down the risk of injury. You yourself has to wear western clothes but other than that thats all you need.

So I assume the horse you will be borrowing is a trained barrel horse? If so, that is a good way to start with a horse that already knows its job so that you can focus on learning as a rider. But with that said, of course it cannot be a horse that is too much for you to handle too fast. Best thing is to start slow, learn correct, get it into your muscle memory, and only pick up the speed when you can keep your riding form.

Along with working with a trainer, I would also recommend you read/watch up on books and DVDs. Charmayne James, Martha Josey, Dena Kirkpatrick, Sharon Camarillo, Ed and Martha Wright, etc are just a few good names to look for. You can also find a few free videos on YouTube by Charmayne, Dena, and Martha J. There also are some decent ones by Expert Village.

Running barrels is a lot more than racing around 3 barrels as fast you can. You have to consider your pocket (how you set your horse up for the turn), keeping yourself stabilized in the turn and your body position correct, being able to control your horse in the turn and make any corrections in a split second, and just understanding the dynamics and physics behind a fast run.

Barrel racing is a lot of fun, but do realize it's work ahead to do it right! Good luck!

That was weird. iPod messed up a little. Anyways thank you for all the helpful tips! :) the horse I am going to be using, I'm not sure if he is a trained barrel racer or not. If he's not, oh well him and I can both learn together! I have always wanted to do this and now I have some horses that would be good for this! What would you suggest for a barrel? Obviously not something in metal. :) Do you use certain plastic ones? And I need to get some show clothing! I have English riding clothing but no western. Time for shopping!! :)
I will look into those names and those DVD's! I will be sure to post pics of my progress once I start! I want to start training as soon as the weather breaks. Thank you again! Posted via Mobile Device

Metal barrels are death. Seriously. My Mom and I both have had knee accidents from them when we knocked one over. I'm so glad my associations use plastic now. Whenever there is metal I wear knee pads now.

Just look on craigslist for some 50 gallon things. You can probably find some easy.

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